New Wolf Pack AD Doug Knuth's top five jobs to accomplish at Nevada

New Wolf Pack athletic Doug Knuth, who was introduced Thursday, knows he has a big task ahead and said it would take some time for Nevada to regularly compete for championships in the Mountain West. Here are five things that should be high on his priority list as he tackles the top job in the Nevada athletic department.

Top five jobs to be done

* Community that cares: Knuth repeatedly hammered home the idea he has to get into the community and listen. That’s a great idea. The relationship between Wolf Pack AD Cary Groth and Northern Nevada was lukewarm at best, with both shouldering some blame. Knuth made it clear Nevada can’t succeed at the highest level without the community’s support. His first goal is getting a more engaged fan base and that starts with create and selling a vision.

* Increase fundraising: Since 2006, the Wolf Pack has averaged about $5.5 million in donations per year, although most of that money comes from mandatory season-ticket seat premiums (which really aren’t donations). Nevada needs to increase its “real” donations, which goes back to an engaged community. Getting a larger chunk of student fees also would help Nevada’s MWC-low $18 million annual budget.

* Increase attendance: Attendance in men’s basketball took a nosedive this year, with that sport providing most of those season-ticket seat premium money. Attendance at football also has been lackluster, even in the historic 2010 season. The easiest way to pump up Nevada’s budget is to increase the season-ticket base. The fairly recent hire of Legends Sales & Marketing should help this cause.

* Facility development: Since 2006, Boise State has raised $69 million for football stadium/practice facility improvements plus raised funds for a $6 million softball/track and field complex. UNLV built a $13 million basketball practice facility in 2012. New Mexico recently completed a $60 million renovation to its basketball arena. The Wolf Pack hasn’t built anything of note since 2008. Nevada needs an all-sport practice facility; a Mackay Stadium renovation; and a tennis facility in the next five years.

* Improve women’s sports: While everybody focuses on football and men’s basketball, there are plenty of other sports on campus. And the Wolf Pack women’s sports have struggled the past few years. Volleyball, basketball, soccer, track/field and softball all bottomed out. Softball and track/field appear on the way up but almost all of the women’s sports on campus are below average.

About this blog

Longtime RGJ Media reporter Dan Hinxman is the authority on Wolf Pack athletics, bringing you the day-to-day coverage of Nevada’s sports teams. Dan has covered almost everything the Northern Nevada sports scene has to offer and will use his knowledge to bring you authoritative and engaging Wolf Pack content. Follow him on Twitter at @DanHinxmanRGJ.